The purpose and effect of this rule development notice is to address possible rule amendments for Gulf gag grouper in response to a recent stock assessment and overfishing status for the gag grouper fishery.

 

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Marine Fisheries

RULE NOS.:RULE TITLES:

68B-14.001Purpose and Intent, Designation as Restricted Species

68B-14.002Definitions

68B-14.0039Recreational Grouper and Tilefish Seasons

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose and effect of this rule development notice is to address possible rule amendments for Gulf gag grouper in response to a recent stock assessment and overfishing status for the gag grouper fishery.

SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Subject areas to be addressed in the rule development notice includes modification to the gag grouper recreational season in the Gulf of Mexico, as well as other subjects encompassed by the above-cited rules.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: Art. IV, Sec. 9, Florida Constitution.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: Art. IV, Sec. 9, Florida Constitution.

IF REQUESTED IN WRITING AND NOT DEEMED UNNECESSARY BY THE AGENCY HEAD, A RULE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP WILL BE NOTICED IN THE NEXT AVAILABLE FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE REGISTER.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT, IF AVAILABLE, IS: Jessica McCawley, Director, Division of Marine Fisheries Management, 620 S. Meridian St., Tallahassee, Florida 32399, and [phone].

THE PRELIMINARY TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT IS AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE FROM THE CONTACT PERSON LISTED ABOVE.